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The SALLY HEMINGS Vol 1, No. 12

NATIONAL STRIKE CONFERENCE: A BEGINNING

Urgently called together, delegated from Berkeley to Boston met at Yale University, May 13-15, at the National Strike Conference, a three-day congress where university strike leaders discussed further efforts for peace. Stressing the need for education, Movement leaders began on Wednesday with definitions: what is really going on in the United States vis a vis repression, universities, and the Black Panthers. Kenneth Mills, a black philosophy professor at Yale, interpreted the black struggle in America as a class struggle, and identified blacks with all third world peoples, struggling against the repression of strong imperialistic countries. Bill Farley, the head of the Yale Strike Steering Committee, urged the need for a deeper sense of involvement. Most people, he explained, are opposed to the government largely and simply because they don't want to go to Indochina and die. Furthermore, all the rhetoric that is heard only justifies that position. His proof lay in the fact that anti-war sentiment skyrockets but domestic repression goes unchecked--Fred Hampton is murdered by Chicago police, a federal court convicts seven of conspiracy, and Bobby Seale remains in prison while the while community looks on. Mills and Farley ended their introduction to the conference on similar notes. They both stressed the need for an education of the facts behind repression and the urgency of the struggle that must ensue if we are to confront the problem.

The tragedy of Kent State pervaded the room as Ron Weisenberger took the podium and pleaded for help so that the four students killed by the National Guard shall not have died in vein. Fllowing Weisenberger, representative spokesman from each region in the country delivered summaries of their universities' strike activities. As speakers from Oberlin, Brandeis, U.Va., and Stanford explained the political and educational work in their areas, the need for an organized and concentrated plan of action became apparent.

In the coming issues, the "Sally" will carry concrete suggestions along educational lines emanating from the Thursday workshops at Yale.

HONEST HARRY RIDES AGAIN: On April 20, 1970, not really such a long time ago, Senator Byrd stated before the Senate of the United States, not exactly confidentially, the "under no circumstances should American ground troops be sent to fight in Cambodia." Although Mr. Byrd continues to send copies of these remarks to those of his constituents who complain about the Cambodian move, one of the Senator's aides candidly termed this statement "unfortunate". To say the least, sir. It makes us wonder how seriously we should take Mr. Byrd's recent condemnation of Mr. Shannon. It also makes us wonder how long out dear Senator can continue to straddle the fence without ripping his britches. Could be embarrassing along about November.

THE D. FRENCH SLAUGHTER-GENERAL HULL AWARD TO: Carl Matthews and his trusty walkie-talkie for conspicuous valor in guarding Freedom Hall

THE GENTLEMAN JOHNNY BURGOYNE-JONATHAN BOUCHER AWARD TO: Former Governor Mill Godwin for his fine cooperation in promoting the democratic process. At the annual meeting of Dereco, Inc., a Norfolk and Weestern Railway subsidiary, with $5 million annual earnings, Mr. Godwin was elected a director of the company. The meeting lasted a lengthy four minutes and was attended by a crowd of four of the 12,255 stockholders.

THE JOHN WAYLES-DADDY WARBUCKS AWARD TO: Bill Pierson, star football player at San Diego State College, who stood in front of the American flag for three hours to prevent anti-war demonstrators from lowering it to half-mast. For this fearless action he was given the American legion "Citation for Meritorious Service." Somehow, whatever happens, the American Legion pulls through.

SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS, DIANE!